1997 Nissan Maxima SE review from North America

Since I bought the car in 2003 (as used), I had a steady problem. The dash light for Service Engine Soon was on and off all the time, but mostly on. Finally I solved this problem that drives crazy a lot of Nissan owners. If one uses only Premium gas (91 octanes) as prescribed by the owner's manual, the light will go off. As soon as one uses lower octane fuel, the light will come back on. The explanation is simple! The ignition and anti-pollution system on the Nissan has been set for the use of Premium gas and as soon as on uses a cheaper gas, the mixture of air/fuel changes thus signaling the oxygen sensors more carbon dioxide than normal. When one uses the proper fuel the combustion mixture is lean resulting in a lesser CO2 emisssion. It is also possible that the oxygen sensor are burned, but please try first using the prescribed type of fuel before going to the dealer who will gladly replace all 6 coils, oxygen sensors and spark plugs for hundreds and hundreds of dollars and not telling you to use proper gas. That would be unproductive for his wallet!

Great car, as they say as good as a BMW, but much cheaper!